Treatment Options

Core stability is important in reducing your risk of injury and improve performance. A strong core ensures a strong platform for your other muscles to work off. Your core muscles are the main structures that support and control the movement of your trunk. They work 24-hours a day and are responsible for endurance type work. Research evidence informs us that many back pain sufferers have poor control of their core muscles. Without addressing this deficit, back pain may continue to worsen and limit functional tasks. We also know that even if your back pain starts to improve, your core strength does not automatically improve. It is therefore important to talk to your physiotherapist and have your core strength assessed. Your therapist can set you up with an exercise program to target this and help with your recovery.

Joint Manipulation is a high-velocity low amplitude thrusting maneuver that aims to achieve a therapeutic effect. This technique pushes the joint in specific directions and depths to stretch the joint and surrounding tissue. Therapists perform this passive technique on skeletal joints to induce relief of musculoskeletal pain and restore joint function. It is often associated with the production of ‘pop’ or 'click' sound.

Kinesio taping is a rehabilitative taping technique that assists the body’s natural processes of healing. It aims to provide support and stability to the structures of the body without restricting the body’s range of motion. It targets different receptors within the sensory nervous system to alleviate pain and assist with lymphatic drainage.

Mobilisation is a hands-on technique with therapeutic intent. It falls under the category of manual therapy. It is often used by physiotherapists to manage musculoskeletal dysfunction. This treatment technique aims to provide pain relief, improve range of motion and restore pain-free functional movements. Pain can arise from restriction found in joints, connective tissue or muscles. By removing the restriction by mobilisation, the source of pain is reduced and the patient experiences symptomatic relief.

Good posture is the position in which you hold your body up against gravity in sitting, standing and lying. When we look at a side view of the human body (figure 1), we can see there is a small inward curve in the neck above the shoulder girdle. We refer to this as ‘cervical lordosis’. There is also an inward curve at the small of the back above the pelvis. This hollow is called ‘lumbar lordosis’. These features are part of the normal curvature of the neck and back.

Remedial massage is a therapy that manipulates the soft tissues of the body to provide an effective healing treatment. Therapists use relevant techniques and movements depending on their client’s needs. This type of massage aims to treat impaired, knotted, tense or immobile parts of the body that cause aches and can eventually lead to injury. Remedial massage may involve deep tissue work to enhance mobility and overall health.

Strengthening exercises are specific exercise movements that aim to improve the strength of specific muscles by working them against resistance. They are often used in a rehabilitation setting, especially when you are experiencing muscle dysfunction that is causing pain. Muscle strength is essential for joint control and stability. The tasks that you require strengthening for pre-determines the specific strengthening exercises that will help you to achieve your goals e.g. an athlete who plays tennis will perform exercises that will specifically help improve their sports performance. Strengthening exercises can be prescribed for any muscle(s) in the body. Your therapist may use resistance in the form of workout machines, free weights or barbells, elastic bands, water (e.g. pool), stairs, or even your body weight.

Dry Needling is a technique used for the treatment of muscular pain and myofascial dysfunction. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into the soft tissues of the affected area with the purpose of relieving pain and improving muscle function. Its therapeutic effect aims to relax overactive muscles and resolve trigger points. It is termed ‘Dry’ as it does not involve the injection of any substance.

Ultrasound is a treatment modality used by physiotherapists in the management of musculoskeletal injuries. It stimulates the repair of soft tissue and promotes healing in the muscles, tendons, joint and ligaments. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to raise the temperature of the deep tissue around the injured region. Special ultrasound gel is used to ensure maximal contact between the treatment head and the surface of the skin for maximal benefit.